Here is the story behind the headdress.

I was a little boy, about 7 or 8 years old, when my mother took me to a community public feast in Mistissini. She told me that our Chief Smally Petawabano would be addressing his people and would be wearing a gift that was given to him. I was very excited and sat right at the front of the table where Chief Petawabano would be sitting.

Everyone in our community was excited in anticipation of what our Chief would say but more importantly wanted to see the " gift".

When the "Big" Chief came out he was dressed in full attire. He wore a white tanned caribou hide shirt and pants and a beautiful headdress with feathers that went all the way down his back and to his heels. I was awed and left with a strong impression.

From that time on, I always wanted a headdress.

Over the years I had completely forgotten about this dream to have my own headdress. It was only when I became "National Chief" of the Assembly of First Nation that I was given the headdress as a "Gift". The headdress was presented to me by the Crees of Alberta. It symbolized, honor, respect, authority and given to one who has earned it.

Another former Chief from Mistissini named Philip Awashish also wore a headdress. He too would wear it on special occasions.

I am so glad that Chief Smally Petawabano wore the headdress. Many young and old Crees from Mistissini would remember the headdress that our Chief wore.

As a little boy, I dared to dream the impossible when I knew that we Crees of Eeyou Ischee did not traditionally wear the headdress. Today, I have three different, magnificent headdresses, all given to me as gifts. What an honour.

By these eagle-feather headdresses, a forgotten dream was restored.

- Matthew"